System and method for in-patient telephony

ABSTRACT

A system and method for tracking patients to enable communications. A presence of a patient is detected in a room. Communications intended for the patient are associated with the room. The communications are routed to the patient in the room.

BACKGROUND

The use of and development of communications has grown nearlyexponentially in recent years. The growth is fueled by larger networkswith more reliable protocols and better communications hardwareavailable to service providers and consumers. Individuals have come toexpect and rely on different communications mediums regardless oflocation or circumstances. In many cases individuals are required to goto locations where they are unable to use personal communicationsdevices or systems.

For example, while visiting a hospital an individual may be preventedfrom using a personal cell phone due to sensitive medical equipment andhospital policies. As a result, the individual may be dependent on thecommunications systems available at the hospital. Unfortunately, it maybe difficult for the individual to receive communications if he or sheis moved to separate locations or rooms within the hospital. Similarly,it may be difficult for the individual to retrieve a personalcommunications device or payment information based on physicallimitations, such as sickness, recovery from surgery or attached heartrate monitors. As a result, communicating from within such a facilitymay be difficult, inconvenient or impossible.

SUMMARY

One embodiment includes a system and method for tracking patients toenable communications. A presence of a patient may be detected in aroom. Communications intended for the patient may be associated with theroom. The communications may be routed to the patient in the room.

Another embodiment includes a server for routing communications to apatient in a medical facility. The server may include a communicationsinterface configured to receive an input specifying a room assigned tothe patient in response to a remote device detecting the presence of thepatient in the room from a RFID tag. The server may also include routinglogic configured to route incoming communications to one or morecommunications devices in the room based on the detected RFID tag. Theserver may also include a billing database configured to charge anaccount of the patient for communications made from the one or morecommunications devices.

Yet another embodiment includes a server configured to routecommunications to a user. The server may include a processor forexecuting a set of instructions and a memory for storing the set ofinstructions. The set of instructions may be configured to detect apresence of a patient in a room utilizing an identifier that is remotelyscanned, modify an account of the patient to designate the room as acurrent location of the patient for managing communications intended forthe patient, and route the communications to a device located in theroom in response to modifying the account.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a location within a hospital inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of a bracelet for use in a hospitalin accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communications management system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for routing communications to apatient in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of a billing invoice in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments provide a system and method for enhancingcommunications for a patient in a facility. In one embodiment, thefacility is a hospital in which the patient visits multiple rooms aspart of a stay as a patient or family member. An identifier may beassociated with the patient. One or more scanners within the facilitymay detect the identifier indicating the presence of the patient asmoves from location to location are made. Presence is the currentlocation of a patient. As a result, incoming communications intended forthe patient are routed to the current location and communicationsdevices within the location. Similarly, the user may communicate usingthe communications device with all expenses charged to an account orprofile associated with the user. As a result, the patient may moreeasily communicate regardless of the location.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The communication system 100is one embodiment of a communications environment that may be utilizedto send and receive communications. The communication system 100 mayinclude a communications management system 102, a server 104, a billingdatabase 106, a hospital communications network 108, locations 110, 112,and 114, VoIP phones 116, 118, 120, and 122, communications network 124,cell phone 126 and client 128.

The communications management system 102 is one or more devices utilizedto enable, initiate, route, and manage communications between one ormore telephonic devices. The communications management system 102 mayinclude one or more devices networked to manage the hospitalcommunications network 108. In one embodiment, the communicationsmanagement system 102 provides an access point to the hospitalcommunications network 124. The communications management system 102 mayinclude any number of servers, routers, switches or advanced intelligentdevices. The hospital communications network 108 and communicationsnetwork 124 sends and receives electronic signals through any number oftransmission mediums. For example, the hospital communications network108 and communications network 124 may include various fiber optics,cables, transmission towers, antennas or other elements for transmittingvoice communications, data, packets, and other information to theconnected telecommunications devices.

The telecommunications devices as herein defined refer to devices andsoftware configured to communicate over the hospital communicationsnetwork. The telecommunications devices may include laptops, computers,voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, plain old telephone service(POTS) phones, fax machines, terminals, servers, medical equipment,televisions or other devices and applications suitable for communicatingvoice signals, messages, data, and other network traffic. In a preferredembodiment, the communications management system 102 and the hospitalcommunications network 108 work to transmit voice communications to theVoIP phones 116, 118, 120. However, the hospital communications network108 may enable POTS, wireless service or other forms of voicecommunications.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hospital communications network 108 enablescommunications for any number of telecommunications devices. The exampleof FIG. 1 is simplified for purposes of explaining the illustrativeembodiments. In one embodiment, the hospital communications network 108enables communications through the VoIP phones 116, 118, and 120 fromthe respective locations 110, 112, and 114. The locations 110, 112, and114 may represent rooms, buildings, sections or other portions of thefacility. In one ongoing example, the locations 110, 112, and 114 mayrepresent the rooms that a patient will be assigned to during a stay ata medical facility, such as a hospital. Although the illustrativeembodiments are described for a medical facility or hospital, the systemand method herein described may be similarly applied to other buildingsorganizational structures or environments. For example, the process mayapply to a work campus, a secure facility or an educational facility.

In one example, the location 110 may represent a preparation room. Thelocation 112 may represent a delivery room for delivering a baby and thelocation 114 may represent a recovery and out-patient room. During auser or patient's stay at a medical facility, the patient may visit eachof the locations 110, 112, and 114 for a random time period based on thecircumstances of the patient. As in most medical facilities, the patientmay be required to sign in or register before entering the facility orany of the locations 110, 112, and 114.

In one embodiment, the patient may be assigned an account number,profile, phone number, and medical bracelet or tag when initiating avisit to a medical facility. The account is a billing record fortracking the patient's information and expenses while in the facilityand in particular, the locations 110, 112, and 114. The phone number isa virtual phone number, IP address, nickname or other informationassociated with the patient that may be used to call the VoIP phones116, 118, and 120 based on the determined location of the patient. Inone embodiment, a profile may be used to store the account informationand any other information related to the care, management, andcommunications to and from the patient. The profile may store thecurrent location of the patient as well as the locations 110, 112, and114 previously visited by the patient so that the user may see expensesincurred in each of the locations 110, 112, and 114.

The bracelet or medical tag is one example of an identifier assigned toor attached to the patient. The identifier is a device, code orinformation that may be scanned or detected to indicate the presence ofthe patient in any of the locations 110, 112, and 114. In oneembodiment, the identifier is a medical bracelet as further described inFIG. 3. The identifier provides a minimally intrusive system and methodfor tracking the presence of the patient through any number oflocations.

The presence or current location of the patent may be tracked by thecommunications management system 102. In one embodiment, the server 104may utilize logic in any number of databases to identify and record thepresent location of the patient. Any expenses incurred by the patientbased on communications made from the VoIP phones 116, 118, and 120 orother telecommunications devices in the locations 110, 112, and 114 istracked, recorded, and later invoiced by the billing database 106. As aresult, the patient may use any of the telecommunications devices withinthe locations 110, 112, and 114 to communicate during a stay at themedical facility without any undue hardship or inconvenience.

For example, the patient may have undergone a difficult surgery forcancer and as a result may have temporarily lost mobility. By trackingthe presence of the patients through the locations 110, 112, and 114,the patient may be able to use the previously established account tomake and receive phone calls through any of the VoIP phones 116, 118,and 120. The patient may not be required to request assistance or leavehis or her bed in order to retrieve a cell phone or credit card formaking a call from the VoIP phones 116, 118, and 120. Anytelecommunications charges incurred from the location 110, 112, and 114corresponding to the patient's presence may be automatically recorded orbilled to the patient by the billing database 106.

Any other communications made from the locations 110, 112, and 114, maysimilarly be tracked for billing purposes. Other communications orcommunications related expenses may include surfing the internet, e-mailor text messages, electronic greeting cards, faxes, scans or otheroffice work, and television related purchases, such as renting movies ora view-on-demand or pay-for-view presentation. The communicationsreceived by the patient at any of the locations 110, 112, and 114 may besent through the communications management system 102 and hospitalcommunications network 108 through the communications network 124.

The communications network 124 may represent any number of networks andcommunications service providers that may be interconnected to send andreceive communications. In particular, the client 128, the cell phone126, and the VoIP phone 122 are shown as simplified examples of devices,systems or patients that may communicate with the patient through thecommunications management system 102 at the corresponding locations 110,112, and 114. Despite the inconvenience of entering or visiting ahospital, the patient may still have access to communications typicallyavailable through the patient's home, business, library or othersimilarly used facility.

The illustrative embodiments, may allow a patient to be contacted in anyof the locations 110, 112, and 114 or within the applicable facilityusing a single phone number, user name, account number, email address,web address or other assigned contact information. In one embodiment, asingle phone number assigned to the user may allow friends and family tocall the patient. As a result, individuals trying to contact the patientdo not have to worry about multiple phone numbers, speaking with anoperator each time or bothering other patients during the patient's stayat the facility. The phone number dialed may automatically ring orconnect to a device in location of the patient. In one embodiment, thecommunications management system 102 or server 104 may be equipped witha voicemail server. The server 104 may automatically transfer avoicemail account to a new location. Similarly, preferences orprogramming, such as temporary speed dial numbers and call screeninginformation, may be automatically transferred to the newtelecommunications devices. For example, when the patient moves fromlocation 110 to location 114, the screening preferences thatautomatically sends calls from the patient's mother-in-law to voicemailfrom the VoIP phone 116 are similarly implemented on the VoIP phone 120.Any number of programmable features, services or settings may betransferred between telecommunications devices, and elements of thelocations 110, 112, and 114 based on the detected presence of thepatient.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a location within a hospital inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The location 200 is aparticular implementation of any of the locations 110, 112, and 114 ofFIG. 1. The location 200 may include numerous devices, furniture andother elements. In one embodiment, the location 200 may include apatient 202 wearing an identifier 204, an entrance 206, a scanner 208, aVoIP phone 210, a cordless handset 212, a bed 214, a television 216, andlights 218.

As shown in FIG. 2, the location 200 may be a hospital room of thepatient 202. The patient 202 represents one or more patients assigned tothe location 200 or visiting the medical facility as a group. Forexample, the patient 202 may also include a spouse, companion, friend,one or more children or other individuals that are collectively visitingthe location 200. The patient 202 may be assigned the identifier 204. InFIG. 2, the identifier is shown as a medical bracelet. The identifiermay include or store information associated with the patient 202, and inparticular, may be used to determine the presence of the patient 202 inthe location 200.

The location 200 may include the entrance 206. The entrance 206 is aningress or egress location to the location 200. In one embodiment, thelocation 200 may not have an entrance 206 or may have multipleentrances. In one embodiment, the scanner 208 may be positioned at ornear the entrance 206. The scanner is a device configured to detect thepresence of the patient 202 based on the identifier 204. In oneembodiment, the identifier 204 may be equipped with a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag. The scanner 208 may be a RFID tag reader thatdetects each time the patient 202 and corresponding identifier 204enters or leaves the location 200. The scanner 208 may automaticallydetect the presence of the patient 202 based on the identifier withoutthe patient 202 taking any affirmative actions. In another embodiment,the identifier 204 may include a bar code, account number or passwordthat may be manually entered or read by the scanner 208. For example,the scanner 208 may include a laser scanner for reading a bar code fromthe identifier 204. The patient 202 or other authorized personnel mayassist the patient 202 in scanning the identifier 204 each time thepatient 202 enters or leaves the location 200. For example, in the eventthe patient 202 is partially paralyzed, medical staff may assist thepatient 202 in scanning the identifier 204 each time the patient 202enters or leaves through the entrance 206.

The scanner 208 may be a battery powered or built-in system thatcommunicates with a server, database or other portion of thecommunications management system. In one embodiment, the scanner 208 maycommunicate with a communications management system through an Ethernetconnection. In another embodiment, the scanner 208 may be batterypowered and may wirelessly communicate with the communicationsmanagement system using a standard or protocol, such as IEEE 802.11(n),WiMAX, Bluetooth or other suitable short range wireless communicationsstandards.

In one embodiment, the scanner 208 may be integrated with the VoIP phone210, the handset 212, the bed 214, a remote control or other device orelement within the location 200. For example, the scanner 208 may beintegrated with the VoIP phone 210 so that any time the patient 202reaches to make a phone call through the VoIP phone 210 or the handset212, the identifier 204 is detected by the scanner 208 within the VoIPphone 210. As a result, the phone call is associated with a temporaryaccount of the patient 202 and the location 200.

The identifier 204 may also be linked or associated with environmentalconditions and information of the patient 202. The environmentalconditions are the settings and configuration of the functional elementswithin the location 200. In one embodiment, the amenities, furniture,medical equipment or the devices of the location 200 may be remotelyconfigured based on the patient 202 entering the location 200. Forexample, the bed 214 may be reconfigured to a last used position. Thetelevision 216 may be changed to a preferred channel or may implementpreviously defined filtering information. Similarly, the lights 218 maybe dimmed, brightened or otherwise configured based on preferences ofthe patient 202 or based on the needs or medical requirements of thepatient 202 as entered or noted by staff through the communicationsmanagement system. In one embodiment, the temperature of the location200 may also be reconfigured based on the entrance or exit of thepatient 202 as detected by the scanner 208. For example, using a laptopavailable from a nursing station, a nurse may indicate that the patient202 is hard of hearing and as a result, the volume on the television 216has a default level substantially higher than normal. In other words,the environmental conditions of the location 200 may be configured tochange or pre-configure themselves based on the entry of the patient 202in the location 200 as detected by the identifier 204.

Information associated with the patient 202 may also be displayed to oneor more displays in the location 200. For example, each time a staffmember from the hospital enters the location 200, a similar identifierutilized by the staff member may be detected by the scanner 208. As aresult, the patient information may be displayed to one or more displaysthat may include the television 216 and the VoIP phone 210. For example,the patient information may indicate any known allergic reactions,patient history, charts, procedures, needs or other information that mayassist the individual in carrying for, helping or otherwise serving thepatient 202.

In another embodiment, the identifier 204 may be a code printed orembedded in a medical bracelet that the patient 202 may enter into theVoIP phone 210 upon being assigned or admitted to the location 200. As aresult, the patient 202 may be required to take an affirmative action inorder to indicate the patient's presence in the location 200. Byregistering the information available from the identifier 204, thepatient 202 may link a temporary account in order to make and receivephone calls from the VoIP phone 210, surf the Internet through acomputing system connected to the television 216 order entertainmentthrough the television 216 or otherwise communicate with individualsinternal or external to the medical facility.

The VoIP phone 210 and the handset 212 may function as a singlecommunications device. In one embodiment, the handset 212 communicateswith the VoIP phone 210 through a short range frequency that isacceptable based on the medical equipment, devices or other elementsthat may be sensitive to radio frequencies within the location 200. Thehandset 212 may be beneficial because it may allow the patient 202 toutilize the handset 212 and VoIP phone 210 from anywhere within thelocation 200 unlike the VoIP phone 210 which may be fixed or havemovement limitations based on a cord or other hardware configuration. Inone embodiment, the patient may configure the handset 212 or the VoIPphone 210 or may use a remote control, keyboard, mouse or otherinterface to the telecommunications devices of the location 200 todirect all incoming communications into a queue or a voicemail systemthat may be retrieved at a later time. As a result, the patient 202 oradministrative staff, doctors or others may ensure that the patient isable to rest or have a reprieve from incoming communications. Forexample, if the patient 202 needs to take a shower, the VoIP phone 210and other telecommunications device may be configured to temporarilysend all calls to a queue or voicemail.

The account that is temporarily or permanently assigned to the patient202 may similarly be linked with a temporary e-mail account, website,wiki or other communication elements configured to allow the patient 202to receive both internal or external communications. Each of theservices may be provided and managed by the communications managementsystem of the facility or a third-party provider. For example, atemporary e-mail account and wireless keyboard accessible from the bed214 may allow the patient 202 to receive and send electronic messageswhich may be displayed on the television 216. Similarly, well wishersmay send electronic greeting cards or other messages through a websiteor portal linked with the communications management system.

In another embodiment, a wireless device, such as a facility-authorizedcell phone, remote control or wireless keyboard may enable the patient202 to send e-mail, text messages or otherwise wirelessly communicatethrough the VoIP phone 210 or through a separate wireless networkconnection.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of a bracelet for use in a hospitalin accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The bracelet 300 is aparticular implementation of the identifier 204 of FIG. 2 that may besecured to a wrist 301 of a patient. In one embodiment, the bracelet mayinclude a strap 302, patient information 304, a bar code 306, and a RFIDtag 308.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bracelet 300 that may be worn on the wrist 301 of apatient. In another embodiment, the bracelet 300 may be replaced by acard, token, ring, patch or information that may be secured to or wornby the patient. In other embodiments, the bracelet 300 may be worn as aname tag, necklace, anklet or article of clothing. The type of bracelet300 or identifier utilized for the patient may depend on thecircumstances, needs or medical condition of the patient. The bracelet300 is useful because many patients are accustomed to wearing atemporary bracelet or identifier when checking into a medical facilityfor themselves or when visiting someone they are associated with. Asshown, the bracelet 300 may include patient information 304. The patientinformation 304 is data and information for the patient. In particular,the patient information 304 may include a name, check-in date,allergies, assigned building, known conditions or other important orrelevant medical information. The patient information 304 may be writtenon the bracelet 300 or stored in the RFID tag for secure retrieval byauthorized personnel.

The bracelet 300 may also include the RFID tag 308. The RFID tag is adevice that may be scanned or read by an RFID reader whenever thepatient approaches within a specified proximity of the reader. The RFIDtag 308 may be a passive device that is read by the reader by reflectinga signal or temporarily activating circuitry. Alternatively, the RFIDtag 308 may be an active device that actively broadcasts a signal, suchas patient information and preferred environmental conditions, at alltimes or when activated. For example, the RFID tag 308 may be readanytime the patient enters or exits a door. The RFID tag 308 may be usedto determine the presence or current location of the patient.

In another embodiment, the RFID tag 308 may be used to determineinformation critical for the care or well being of the patient. Forexample, the RFID tag 308 may determine how many times the patiententered a bathroom of the patient's room during the night. Similarly,the RFID tag 308 may be used to determine whether the patient wasresponsive to instructions to walk the hallway or otherwise obtainexercise, visit the cafeteria or otherwise perform a specified movementor action detectable by the RFID tag 308.

In one embodiment, the bracelet 300 may also include a bar code 306. Thebar code 306 may be scanned when a patient enters or leaves each ofmultiple locations. In one embodiment, the patient may be required tohold the bracelet 300 to a bar code reader in order to enter a location.The bracelet 300 may be used to not only track the presence of thepatient, but also grant authorization to enter specified portions of thefacility. For example, the patient may be able to enter a nursery onlyif the information associated with the bracelet 300 indicates that thepatient has been granted authorization. Similarly, the RFID tag 308 orthe bar code 306 may be utilized to purchase communication services aspreviously described order meals or otherwise pay for or requestservices needed by the patient.

In one embodiment, the bracelet 300 ensures that communications intendedfor the patient are routed to the current location of the patientregardless of how many locations the patient has visited or based on thepast locations of the patient. The presence of the patient may bedetermined using the RFID tag 308, bar code 306, code or any combinationthereof integrated as part of the bracelet.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communications management system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The communicationsmanagement system 400 may include any number of hardware and softwarecomponents, cards, devices, and elements. In one embodiment, thecommunications management system 400 may include a processor 402, amemory 404, environmental conditions 406, medical information 408,tracking and routing logic 410, scanner interface 412, and a billingdatabase 414. The communications management system 400 may furthercommunicate with any number of devices, patients or components which mayinclude client devices 416 and scanner system 418. The communicationsmanagement system 400 is a particular implementation of thecommunications management system 102 of FIG. 1.

The processor 402 is circuitry or logic enabled to control execution ofa set of instructions. The processor 402 may be a microprocessor,digital signal processor, central processing unit or other devicesuitable for controlling an electronic device including one or morehardware and software elements, executing software, instructions,programs and applications, converting, and processing signals andinformation, and performing other related tasks. The processor 402 maybe a single chip or integrated with other computing or communicationselements.

The memory 404 is a hardware element, device or recording mediaconfigured to store data for subsequent retrieval or access at a latertime. The memory 404 may be static or dynamic memory. The memory 404 mayinclude a hard disk, random access memory, cache, removable media drive,mass storage or configuration suitable as storage for data,instructions, and information. In one embodiment, the memory 404 andprocessor 402 may be integrated. The memory may use any type of volatileor non-volatile storage techniques and mediums.

The memory 404 may further store the environmental conditions 406 andthe medical information 408. The environmental conditions 406 is thepreferred settings and configuration for telecommunications devices,media equipment, medical devices, furniture, and other configurableelements at the patient's location. The environmental conditions 406 mayinclude information regarding temperature, settings and configurationsof a bed, media preferences, such as preferred channels and allowedcontent, speed dial numbers, and other similar information. The medicalinformation 408 is information related to the treatment or stay of thepatient at the location. The medical information 408 may include name,address, chart, patient history, diagnosis, prescribed drugs, allergiesor other information related to the patient's care or wellbeing during avisitor's stay at the location.

In one embodiment, the medical information 408 may include allergies anddiagnosis information that are automatically displayed to a monitor ortelevision within the patient's location when authorized personnel aredetected within the location. For example, if a nurse enters the roomwearing an RFID tag indicating that she is authorized to view themedical information 408, the medical information 408 may be streamed,displayed or output to a device within the location.

In one embodiment, the other elements of the communications managementsystem 400 may also be stored as instructions in the memory 404 forexecution by the processor 402. The tracking and routing logic 410, thescanner interface 412, and the billing database 414 may be hardware,software or a combination of both, that implement the features,services, and methods herein described.

The tracking and routing logic 410 is the logic configured to detect thepresence and current location of the patient. The tracking and routinglogic 410 may route communications through any number of intermediarydevices in order to ensure the patient is able to make and receivecommunications, such as a phone call. In one embodiment, the trackingand routing logic 410 may register the current location of the patientwith another router, server, switch or device configured to send andreceive communications associated with the patient. For example, thepatient may have a virtual phone number assigned at the time the patientinitiates the visit at the location. As a result, all incomingcommunications to the virtual phone number are routed to the currentlocation of the patient.

The scanner interface 412 is an interface configured to determine thepresence or location of the patient based on information from thescanner system 418. The scanner system 418 is one or more scanners,detectors or electronic readers configured to determine the location ofa patient based on an identifier. The scanner system 418 may be acollection of any number of devices in a network to communicate with thescanner interface 412. In one embodiment, the scanner system 418 is ahardwired configuration of RFID readers that communicate with thescanner interface 412 through an Ethernet network. In anotherembodiment, the scanner system 418 may be a bar code readers enabledthrough a wireless network of the facility. In yet another embodiment,the scanner system 418 may be an attachment or programming for a networkof VoIP phones that detects the presence of a patient based on anassigned indicator. Similarly, other suitable communications mediums,lines or services may be utilized to propagate communication between thescanner system 418 and the scanner interface 412.

The billing database 414 is a structured collection of records or dataconfigured to store information relating to expenses incurred by thepatient. In one embodiment, the billing database 414 may track theutilization of communication services provided by the hospital or acommunications service provider serving the hospital or medicalfacility. For example, any time the patient makes a call from one ormore locations, the call may be billed, recorded or logged to thepatient's account for immediate or subsequent payment. In oneembodiment, expenses incurred by the patient may require that thebilling database 414 immediately receive payment from the patientthrough a credit card account or other payment scheme. For example, inorder to view a pay-per-view movie, the billing database 414 may chargea credit card associated with the patient to ensure that expenses arecarefully tracked and charges are sent and received as incurred by thepatient.

In one embodiment, the billing database 414 tracks utilization of theclient devices 416 by the patient. As previously described, the clientdevices may include a VoIP phone, wireless device, computing system,television, fax machine or other communication elements available fromthe current location of the patient. The billing database 414 may bepart of or networked to one or more other databases, such as databasesfor patient information and preferred environmental conditions.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for routing communications to apatient in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process ofFIG. 5 may be implemented by a patient 500, a location 502, and acommunications management system 504. The process may be initiated byreceiving an identifier associated with the patient and a patientaccount (step 506). The identifier may be a medical bracelet, dog tag,name tag, token, sticker or device suitable for use in the location 502.

In one embodiment, the patient 500 may be required to register with themedical facility or service provider operating the location 502. Thepatient and the patient account may be linked with a virtual phonenumber, e-mail address, website, chat name or other information that maybe used to communicate with the patient 500 during a stay at the medicalfacility. As a result, the patient 500 may always be able to communicateregardless of how many times the patient moves rooms or locations withinthe facility.

Next, the patient 500 moves to a location (step 508). The patient 500may move based on his or her own volition or may be required to move aspart of treatment. The location 502 detects the identifier indicatingthe presence of the patient (step 510). The identifier may be a RFIDtag, bar code, wireless transmitter or other broadcast element orinformation that indicates the presence of the patient and the location502. The location 502 sends location information to the communicationsmanagement system (step 512).

Next, the communications management system 504 records the location ofthe patient 500 in a database (step 514). The location of the patient500 may be updated, reconfigured or otherwise saved in a file, field orother information of the database.

Next, the communications management system 504 routes all incomingcommunications to the telecommunications devices at the location (step516). The incoming communications may include phone calls, e-mails ortext messages, instant chat sessions, website updates, RSS feeds orother messages or forms of communications received by one or more of thetelecommunications devices at the location 502. During step 516, thesettings, preferences, and programming is transferred to thetelecommunications devices at the location. For example, voicemailconfiguration, call blocking, speed dial numbers, soft keyconfiguration, bed settings, preferred phone numbers, day and nighttemperature, lighting intensity, and messaging alerts may be setup andconfigured at the new location.

Each time the patient 500 moves a location (step 508), the location 502similarly detects the identifier indicating the presence of the patient(step 510). As a result, the location 502 sends the location informationto the communications management device (step 512) in order to updatethe database of the communications management system 504. Similarly, atany time the patient 500 may initiate a communication from the location(step 518). The communication may be initiated by utilizing thetelecommunications devices enabled or provided at the location 502. Thecommunications management system 504 tracks expenses associated withcommunications for billing the patient (step 520). Only communicationswith present expenses may be charged to the patient. For example, anagreement signed by the patient 500 when signing in to the facility mayindicate that local phone calls are not charged to the patient 500.Similarly, the patient 500 may be allotted a preset number of longdistance minutes, e-mails, text messages or internet surfing as part ofthe patient's stay at the location 502.

Next the communications management system 504 bills the patient 500 forthe expenses (step 522). The patient may be billed at a specifiedinterval or based on an event. For example, each time a bill associatedwith the patient reaches $50.00 the patient's credit card may be billedor in another embodiment, the patient may be billed each time a presentthreshold is met, such as, phone calls or Internet usage for more than200 minutes.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of a billing invoice in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. The billing invoice 600 may include aname 602, date 604, payment information 606, charges 608, total 610, andphone record 612. The billing invoice 600 is an example of a recordtracking telecommunications usage by a patient. The billing invoice 600may also be integrated with a bill, invoice or other expense record sentto the patient by the hospital or applicable service provider. Forexample, the billing invoice 600 may also include expenses forprocedures performed, lab tests, service costs, drugs, applicable taxesand fees, cafeteria expenses, and other expenses incurred by the patientor charged by the facility. The name 602 lists the name or names of thepatient. The date 604 indicates the time period during which the patientwas at the facility. For example, the listed patient may have been atthe facility for four days. The payment information 606 may specify howthe patient is billed for expenses incurred.

In one embodiment, a credit card of the patient may be billed. Inanother embodiment, the billing invoice 600 may be sent directly to theclient. In yet another embodiment, the account balance may be added toan existing balance charged to the patient.

The charges 608 specify the communications or media services utilized bythe patient during the date 604. The charges 608 may provide a detailedrecord or summary of communications and services utilized by thepatient. For example, the patient may have viewed any number ofmovie-on-demand or pay-per-view presentations, utilized Internet access,sent e-mail, chat or send text messages, and made outgoing phone calls.

The total 610 is the addition of all of the charges incurred for thepatient. The phone record 612 may specify the numbers or devices calledby the patient. The phone record may also list a date and charge similarto a bill typically provided by a communication service provider. Thephone record may also show charges per minute, location from which thecall was made, and other information that may help the patient rememberwhen each of the phone calls was made.

The illustrative embodiments provide a system and method for enhancingcommunications and convenience of a user in a facility. In oneembodiment, the user is a patient is a medical facility that may benefitfrom dynamic routing of communications and customization of devices,software, and other elements within the patient's room. A single set ofcommunications information, such as a virtual phone number, temporaryemail address, username or web address may allow multiple parties tocommunicate with the patient. As a result, the patient may select toreceive, delay, block or otherwise send and receive communications atthe patient's convenience and based on the current circumstances.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

1. A method for tracking patients to enable communications, the methodcomprising: detecting a presence of a patient in a room; associatingcommunications intended for the patient with the room; and routing thecommunications to a device located in the room.
 2. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the device is one or more telecommunicationsdevices, and wherein the room is linked with the one or moretelecommunications devices.
 3. The method according to claim 1, whereindetecting further comprises: scanning an identifier associated with thepatient, wherein the identifier is a radio frequency identification(RFID) tag assigned to the patient.
 4. The method according to claim 3,wherein the RFID tag is a medical bracelet.
 5. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising: associating environmental conditions andmedical information with the room.
 6. The method according to claim 5,further comprising: configuring the room to meet the environmentalconditions.
 7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:configuring the room to display the medical information.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 5, wherein the environmental conditions include anyof lighting, temperature, configuration of a bed, and entertainmentoptions.
 9. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:displaying the medical information to authorized personnel at the room.10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the displaying is performedin response to detecting an identifier associated with the authorizedpersonnel.
 11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:rerouting the communications to a new room, reconfiguring theenvironmental conditions at the new room, and displaying the medicalinformation to the authorized personnel at the new room in response todetecting the identifier at the new room.
 12. The method according toclaim 2, further comprising: billing the patient for communications madefrom the one or more telecommunications devices.
 13. A server forrouting communications to a patient in a medical facility, the servercomprising: a communications interface configured to receive an inputspecifying a room assigned to the patient in response to a remote devicedetecting the presence of the patient in the room from a RFID tag;routing logic configured to route incoming communications to one or morecommunications devices in the room based on the detected RFID tag; and abilling database configured to charge an account of the patient forcommunications made from the one or more communications devices.
 14. Thesystem according to claim 13, wherein the server further comprises amemory for storing environmental conditions and medical informationassociated with the patient, wherein the room is configured to meet theenvironmental conditions and display the medical information toauthorized personnel in response to detecting the presence of thepatient in the room.
 15. The system according to claim 13, wherein thepresence of the patient is determined by detecting the RFID tag embeddedin a medical bracelet, wherein the RFID tag is detected by an RFID tagreader located at an entrance to the location.
 16. The system accordingto claim 13, wherein the presence of the patient is identified by a barcode reader positioned at the room configured to scan a bar codeassociated with the patient.
 17. The system according to claim 13,wherein the incoming communications received by the patient aredisplayed to a television in the room.
 18. A server configured to routecommunications to a user comprising: a processor for executing a set ofinstructions; and a memory for storing the set of instructions, whereinthe set of instructions are configured to: detecting a presence of apatient in a room utilizing an identifier that is remotely scanned;modifying an account of the patient to designate the room as a currentlocation of the patient for managing communications intended for thepatient; and routing the communications to a device located in the roomin response to modifying the account.
 19. The server according to claim16, wherein the set of instructions is further configured to storeenvironmental conditions associated with the user and chargecommunications with expenses to the account associated with the user,and wherein the room is configured to meet the environmental conditionsin response to detecting the identifier in the room.
 20. The serveraccording to claim 16, wherein the identifier is scanned by any of aRFID tag reader, and a bar code reader.